Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Tulip ‘Queen of Night’ produces deep maroon, nearly black blooms that emerge in late spring and offer rich contrast and sophistication to garden beds and borders in zones 3–8. Often used as a dramatic foil against a colored tulip, their elegant 24–26″ stems make them excellent in cutting gardens and focal groupings, returning for several years in ideal conditions and transforming spring landscapes with moody, unforgettable color.
Planting Tips:
Plant tulip bulbs in fall, before the ground freezes—generally between September and November depending on your zone
Prefers a spot with full sun and well-draining soil
Plant tulip bulbs 6–8″ deep, pointy side up, and space 4–6″ apart
Water after planting to help roots establish before winter
Optional: Add bone meal to the planting hole to encourage strong root development
Applications in the Garden
Perfect for creating high contrast when paired with soft pink, white, or cream tulips
A stunning addition to cutting gardens thanks to their tall, graceful stems and long vase life
Striking in formal beds or as dramatic groupings in modern landscape designs
Queen of Night tulip adds bold sophistication to cottage gardens or layered perennial borders
Q: Are these truly black tulips?
A: Queen of Night is among the darkest available—deep maroon to purple-black in color, often appearing black in certain lighting
Q: Will ‘Queen of Night’ tulip return each year?
A: Like most hybrid tulips, they may perennialize in well-drained soil with full sun, but many gardeners replant each fall for the most reliable display
Q: Can tulips grow in containers?
A: Yes—ensure your container is at least 8–10″ deep and has good drainage, especially in wet or cold climates
Troubleshooting
Weak blooms or short tulip stems: Usually caused by lack of sunlight or shallow planting. Ensure full sun and follow proper depth guidelines
Rotting tulip bulbs: Avoid heavy, soggy soil and plant in raised beds or containers if needed
No tulip flowers after first year: This can result from poor summer dormancy conditions. Avoid watering or disturbing bulbs in summer so they store enough energy for the next spring